CRM Resin Cast Beacons for Airliners (CR144809) 1:144

[Mike]

Resin Cast Beacons for Airliners (CR144809)

1:144 Counting Rivet Models

 

 

We’ve received some upgrade sets from our new friends at CRM, the initials standing for “Counting Rivet Models”.  They’re new to us, and based in Hamburg Germany, creating highly accurate sets for the airliner community, which is to some extent an untapped market, as most aftermarket companies seem drawn to the military side of things.  CRM are part of the new wave of producers that are using technology such as 3D printing to create their products, and it shows.  Their sets arrive in a clear blister pack with a card header within, which has a QR code that leads to the instruction page of their website, cutting down on recycling, as most instructions get thrown away after use.  Hold your phone’s camera up to it and follow the link to their download centre in your browser of choice, which has the instructions available for download in the de facto standard PDF format.  If you’re wedded to your desktop or want to see it in larger text, follow this link here.

 

 

This useful set contains a single casting block in clear red resin that contains ten teardrop-shaped beacon light lenses that are standard on most airliners, plus three tiny bead-type lights that are specific to the Boeing B737, which would be different, wouldn’t it?  To use them, just cut them carefully from the upstand with a razor saw, being careful not to grip it so hard that it pings off into the undergrowth, falling victim to the always ravenous carpet monster.  They can be attached to the model using PVA or super glue (CA) as you wish, and a useful tool for holding such small parts is either a wax pencil, a sticky-jewel picker tool, or a piece of Blutak rolled into a point.  Stick the lens carefully onto your weapon of choice, then apply glue to the intended location or the bottom of the part, applying it to the model and holding it there until it cures.  They’re a big improvement on painted styrene bumps that might get lost during seam sanding, or clear parts covered with clear red paint, and you should have enough for at least a few models if you don’t lose any.

 

 

Conclusion

These parts are perfect for replacing moulded-in or missing beacons, or just as a general upgrade to the detail and finesse of the beacons on your latest model, exceeding what’s usually provided in most airliner kits, all for a very reasonable price.

 

Highly recommended.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of